FCCB Supports Bill to Streamline Background Screening

HB 1505 (Trabulsy) and SB 1830 (Brodeur) would streamline the state government background screening system. These bills will benefit numerous organizations and industries throughout Florida, including Catholic dioceses, parishes and schools. 

The measure will significantly increase the efficiency and organization of the background screening process for Catholic schools. Superintendents will be able to place all the employees in the same background screening system. This system will satisfy Safe Environment requirements and provide superintendents with arrest notifications when an employee is arrested. It will also eliminate duplicative screenings at many grade schools, thus providing significant cost savings for dioceses. 

Mike Barrett, associate for education, indicated FCCB's support of HB 1505 during the Health & Human Services Committee hearing on February 17. The bill was approved by the committee with a unanimous vote, and is on the agenda for House Appropriations on February 22. SB 1830 has two remaining committees of reference.